Things You'll Need:
- Journal
- Panic disorder medication
- Physician or mental health professional
-
Step 1
Start a journal in order to document the frequency, intensity and circumstances surrounding each panic or anxiety attack. This will be particularly useful for your doctor or mental health professional in order to determine the severity of your panic disorder, and whether or not you are a good candidate for panic disorder medication.
-
Step 2
Learn more about the different types of medications used to treat panic disorders, such as MAOIs, SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. Which type of medication you select will depend greatly upon the severity and degree of your panic disorder, and how you will react to them in terms of side effects. Some types of medications, such as MAOIs, are very powerful and should only be used in more severe types of panic disorders due to their potentially serious side effects.
-
Step 3
Visit your doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis so that you will be able to select the proper panic disorder medication. Find out whether you have any other medical conditions that could be creating the panic disorders, such as hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism or inner-ear imbalances, so that you can receive proper treatment.
-
Step 4
Consider any other medications you may be taking and how each type of panic order medication will interreact. Many antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can have potentially dangerous side effects when mixed with antihistamines, cold medicines, herbal supplements (such as St. John's Wort) and even specific types of food. In addition, the use of any illegal drugs can result in serious consequences.
-
Step 5
Consider using other methods to help control the frequency and intensity of your panic attacks after you select a suitable medication. This may include behavior modification therapy, psychotherapy, deep-breathing exercises, yoga, tai chi, working out in a gym and even improving your diet.
